Introduction: Why Saddle Choice Matters More Than Most Riders Think
Saddle choice is not just a comfort preference.
It directly affects horse welfare, soundness, movement quality, and long-term performance.
As a certified saddle fitter and equine biomechanics specialist working across dressage, endurance, trail, and general English and Western disciplines, I see firsthand how saddle design can either support or restrict a horse’s natural movement.
Poor saddle fit is a common contributor to back pain, muscle atrophy, behavioral resistance, and reduced performance often long before obvious lameness appears.
Few topics generate as much debate as treeless vs treed saddles.
Supporters on both sides cite comfort, freedom of movement, tradition, or research.
The reality supported by science and real-world riding is more nuanced.
This article breaks down what research shows, what biomechanics explains, and what experienced riders encounter in practice, without marketing hype or fear-based claims.
Treeless vs Treed Saddles: Structural Differences
What Is the Difference Between Treeless and Treed Saddles?
At the most basic level, the difference lies in internal structure.
- Treed saddles contain a rigid or semi-rigid frame (the saddle tree)
- Treeless saddles lack a traditional tree and rely on flexible materials and padding
Both designs can be well-made or poorly designed.
Neither is inherently “better” for all horses.
The Function of a Saddle Tree
A saddle tree serves three primary biomechanical functions:
- Weight distribution across a broader surface area
- Spinal clearance, preventing direct pressure on the dorsal spinous processes
- Stability, limiting excessive lateral or rotational movement
In a well-fitted treed saddle, the rider’s weight is dispersed over the horse’s thoracic musculature rather than concentrated beneath the seat bones.
How Weight Distribution and Stability Differ
Treed saddles
- Distribute load through rigid points (tree rails)
- Provide predictable balance and stability
- Are less dependent on rider symmetry
Treeless saddles
- Rely heavily on padding systems and rider balance
- Allow closer contact and flexibility
- Can shift or concentrate pressure if poorly paired with pad or rider
Neither system automatically guarantees comfort.
Why No Single Design Works for Every Horse or Rider
Horse anatomy varies widely:
- Rib shape
- Spine length
- Muscle development
- Wither height
- Shoulder rotation
Rider anatomy and balance vary just as much.
Saddle design must match both halves of the partnership.
This is why blanket statements about treeless or treed saddles often fail in practice.
Research & Biomechanics Insight
What Pressure-Mapping Research Suggests
- Poorly fitted saddles treed or treeless create high pressure points
- Well-fitted saddles of either type can distribute pressure acceptably
- Rider asymmetry dramatically influences pressure patterns
Treeless saddles can show:
- Increased peak pressures beneath seat bones in some riders
- Greater variability depending on pad design
Treed saddles can show:
- Bridging or focal pressure when tree shape does not match the horse
Saddle Design and Spinal Clearance
- The horse’s spine must lift and flex during movement
- Adequate spinal clearance must be maintained dynamically, not just at rest
Treed saddles provide predictable clearance when correctly fitted.
Treeless saddles depend on pad architecture to achieve the same result.
Neither system excuses poor fitting.
Honest Research Limitations
- Small sample sizes
- Short testing durations
- Variability in rider skill
- Differences in pad systems
No peer-reviewed study proves that one saddle type is universally superior.
This reinforces the importance of professional fitting and real-world assessment, not trends.
Practical Advantages of Treeless Saddles
What Is the Advantage of a Treeless Saddle?
- Increased flexibility through the horse’s back
- Closer rider contact
- Greater adaptability to shape changes
For horses whose musculature fluctuates such as endurance horses, young horses, or those in rehab this adaptability can be valuable.
Real-World Riding Examples
- Long hours at variable speeds
- Changing terrain
- Horses that condition significantly over a season
Riders frequently report improved feel and freedom of movement when the saddle is properly padded and balanced.
Limitations and Risks
What Are the Cons of Treeless Saddles?
- Pressure concentration, especially under heavier or unbalanced riders
- Increased reliance on rider symmetry
- Reduced lateral stability in technical disciplines
Discipline-Specific Limitations
- Precision lateral work
- High-level collection
- Jumping stability
A treed saddle often provides clearer support for both horse and rider.
The Importance of Pads and Rider Skill
- High-density foam
- Spinal channels
- Shimmable options
Rider balance matters more in treeless systems.
This is not a flaw just a responsibility.
Rider Weight and Suitability
Are Treeless Saddles Good for Heavy Riders?
- Weight distribution, not just rider weight
- Horse musculature and bone density
- Saddle and pad design
A well-muscled horse with a broad back may carry a heavier rider comfortably in a treeless saddle.
A narrow or weak-backed horse may be better supported by a properly fitted treed saddle.
There are no universal weight limits only individual assessments.
Discipline-Specific Use
Do Endurance Riders Use Treeless Saddles?
Yes some do.
- Horses change shape over long distances
- Flexibility can reduce muscle fatigue
- Riders spend many hours in the saddle
However, many endurance riders still choose treed saddles for:
- Added stability
- Consistent weight distribution over extreme mileage
Terrain, speed, and horse anatomy guide the decision.
Comfort, Fit, and Horse Welfare
What Is the Most Comfortable Type of Saddle?
- Horse anatomy
- Rider balance
- Saddle fit
- Appropriate padding
- Childrens's Saddles
A well-fitted treed saddle can be extremely comfortable.
A well-fitted treeless saddle can be equally so.
Saddle Fit in the Bigger Welfare Picture
- The leading causes of horse death are colic, accidents, and management-related issues
- Saddles do not directly cause mortality
However, chronic poor saddle fit contributes to:
- Ongoing discomfort
- Stress-related behaviors
- Muscle loss
- Reduced performance longevity
Saddle fit is one important piece of overall welfare not the sole determinant.
Professional & Cultural Context
What Brand of Saddle Does Charlotte Dujardin Use?
Elite riders like Charlotte Dujardin ride in custom-fitted treed saddles, often from major performance brands aligned with sponsorships.
- Saddles are tailored precisely to horse and rider
- Fit is continually reassessed
- Brand matters far less than precision
Elite performance depends on customization, not saddle category.
What Is a “Daddy Saddle”?
- A large, deep-seated
- Comfort-focused
- Highly supportive saddle
It is not a technical or recognized saddle classification and has no biomechanical meaning.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Saddle Is About Fit, Not Sides
The debate between treed and treeless saddles is often framed as right versus wrong.
In reality, it is context versus context.
- Support sound movement
- Enhance rider balance
- Promote long-term comfort
Both can also cause problems when poorly fitted.
The best saddle is the one that:
- Fits the horse’s anatomy
- Supports the rider’s balance
- Matches the discipline
- Is regularly reassessed as the horse changes
Professional saddle fitting, honest evaluation, and a welfare-first mindset matter far more than choosing sides in a debate.
When saddle choice is approached thoughtfully, both horse and rider benefit for years to come.